A/65/L.44/Rev.1, 13 December 2010 . Promotion of interreligious and intercultural dialogue, understanding and cooperation for peace. UN General Assembly,

• Co-sponsors of  draft resolution: Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, China, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Jordan, Myanmar, Pakistan, Panama, Philippines, Qatar, Russian Federation, Seychelles, Sudan, Tajikistan, Timor-Leste and Viet Nam:

EXCERPT Below:
"The General Assembly,

• Reaffirming the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,1 in particular the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion,

Recalling its resolutions

• 36/55 of 25 November 1981, in which it proclaimed the Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief, ...
• 58/128 of 19 December 2003, on the promotion of religious and cultural understanding, harmony and cooperation,
• 59/23 of 11 November 2004, on the promotion of interreligious dialogue.... 
• 63/22 of 13 November 2008, on the promotion of
  interreligious and intercultural dialogue, understanding and cooperation for peace
• 63/181 of 18 December 2008, on the elimination of all forms of intolerance and of discrimination based on religion or belief,
• 64/81 of 7 December 2009, on the promotion of interreligious and intercultural dialogue, understanding and cooperation for peace, and
• 65/5 of 20 October 2010, on World Interfaith Harmony Week,...

• "Noting that interreligious and intercultural dialogue has made significant contributions to mutual understanding, the promotion of a culture of peace and tolerance and an improvement of overall relations among people from different cultural and religious backgrounds and among nations,"

• "Encouraging activities aimed at promoting interreligious and intercultural dialogue in order to enhance social stability, respect for diversity, and mutual respect in diverse communities, and create, at the global level, and also at the regional, national and local levels, an environment conducive to peace and mutual understanding,
• "Recognizing the commitment of all religions to peace,

1. Affirms that mutual understanding and interreligious and intercultural dialogue constitute important dimensions of the dialogue among civilizations and of the culture of peace;

5. Welcomes the efforts made by the media to promote interreligious and intercultural dialogue, encourages the further promotion of dialogue among the media from all cultures and civilizations.

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SG/SM/13382, 31 January 2011 - OBV/958 - DPI New York. "Respect for Diversity, Peaceful Dialogue Essential ' -Secretary-General

EXCERPT Below

"....World Interfaith Harmony Week is an opportunity to focus global attention on the efforts of religious leaders, interfaith movements and individuals around the world to promote mutual respect and understanding between followers of different faiths and beliefs. These partners play an indispensable role in supporting United Nations efforts for peace.

In proclaiming this observance, the United Nations General Assembly encourages all States to use the first week of February to spread "the message of interfaith harmony and goodwill in the world's churches, mosques, synagogues, temples and other places of worship... based on love of God and love of one's neighbour or on love of the good and love of one's neighbour, each according to their own religious traditions or convictions".

Respect for diversity and peaceful dialogue are essential if the human family is to cooperate globally to face shared threats and seize common opportunities. ....efforts ... to build trust among communities and individuals lie at the heart of so many United Nations initiatives, ...

The Week will be marked by a broad spectrum of activities around the world,,,will include interfaith breakfasts, film screenings and talks featuring the active participation of civil society, United Nations entities and other intergovernmental organizations.

I look forward to continuing to work with people of all faiths to rise above the tensions and misconceptions that so often divide us, and find the path of harmony and dignity for all.

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United Nations Main Page on Interfaith Harmony Week and Links to related Infomation  http://www.un.org/en/events/interfaithharmonyweek/index.shtml

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For more information related to World Interfaith Harmony Week see:

Contents

• A. World Harmony Run Support for Interfaith Harmony encouraged by President of UNESCO General Conference (2009 - 2011)
• B. UN Resolution A/RES/65/5 - World Interfaith Harmony Week
• C. Photos of WHR Support for  Interfaith visits and events
• D. WHR Founder encourgement of Interfaith events
• E. Links, Countries and UN S-G Statement for Interfaith Harmony Week

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